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Following the huge success of the first ever Australian Women in Music Awards last year, the AWMAs return for a second year this October, celebrating some of the superwomen of the Aussie music industry and placing the accomplishments of the innovators and inspirations front and centre.
With 2018 celebrating industry leaders and emerging powerhouses alike, the core goal at the heart of the AWMAs is to bring a long overdue spotlight to the countless women and female identities totally slaying the music industry, both onstage and behind the scenes. And 2019 will mark a significant step forward, not just with three new award categories added to the lineup, but also with the priority to ensure that all communities across Australia's music industry are seen, celebrated and given the space to thrive, as AWMAs Founding Executive Director Vicki Gordon explains: "Inclusivity is a major priority for AWMA. We are working closely with diverse groups of women across all areas of the industry, including First Nations and culturally diverse women, LGBTQI and many others."
Following the first announcement last week of what we can expect from the 2019 AWMAs, there's a whole lotta awesome ready to roll with the Awards Ceremony and Forum Series (comprising three forums featuring industry leaders from across various sectors) returning to Brisbane Powerhouse on October 8th and 9th.
Whether you are yourself or know a fellow lady absolutely owning their field - get behind the stellar women who make up our scene, and chuck them a nomination. Full categories and more info below:
AUSTRALIAN WOMEN IN MUSIC AWARDS - 2019 CATEGORIES
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Presented to a female artist or musician who has made an outstanding artistic contribution to the field of recording and/or live performance during her lifetime.
HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Recognises an individual (female, male and GNC) who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education, and/or assisting female artists working in remote and/or regional communities.
DIVERSITY IN MUSIC AWARD
Recognises individual artists or female-driven musical collaborations for their contribution to advancing a culturally diverse and inclusive music industry.
STUDIO PRODUCTION AWARD
Recognises a female sound engineer or producer who has made contributions of outstanding significance in the studio recording environment.
LIVE PRODUCTION AWARD
Recognises a female working in a live production or touring environment making significant impact in her field: Includes Tour Management, Live Sound, Lighting, Backstage and Roadcrew.
MUSIC LEADERSHIP AWARD
Recognises a female CEO, Managing Director, Label Manager, A&R Director, Artist Manager or Publisher making significant impact in music industry leadership.
SONGWRITER AWARD
Recognises an outstanding female songwriter or composer.
EMERGING ARTIST AWARD
Acknowledges an outstanding emerging female artist.
MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHER AWARD
Recognises a female music photographer currently working in the field and to acknowledge her body of work.
FILM-MAKER AWARD
Recognises a female music videographer, clip-maker, film-maker, or music animator currently working in the field and to acknowledge her body of work.
ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE AWARD
Recognises exceptional creative achievement from a female artist/musician across any genre.
EXCELLENCE IN CLASSICAL MUSIC AWARD*
Recognises a mid-to-late career female classical music artist who has demonstrated musical excellence throughout her career.
*Includes conductors and artists working in the field of Opera.
MUSIC JOURNALIST AWARD
Recognises a female music journalist, blogger or editor who has made a creative contribution and courageous impact in truth telling and innovative reporting in the Australian Music Industry.
EXCELLENCE IN IMAGE MAKING AWARD
Recognises a female hair and/or makeup artist and/or stylist* working to change the face of music visually to break down gender, race and social cultural stereo types. *Stylist to include those working within costume and/or wardrobe activity
CREATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD
A curatorial award recognising excellence in creative programming from women working in broadcast media, a music festival or live performance/venue to champion female artists.
With the countdown officially on to the ultimate event cementing the achievements of women in the Aus music industry, tickets are available now and nominations are officially open! For more info, head HERE, for nominations head HERE and check out the below to get a taste of last year's inaugural ceremony.
BY TIANA SPETER